DONNINGTON CASTLE

Berkshire

Donnington Castle is a survivor.  Although little but this gatehouse now remains it suffered two of the longest and most savage sieges of the English Civil War, whilst both the Battles of Newbury happened around it.

The first Castle was probably built by Sir Richard Abberbury around 1386, interestingly in 1415 it passed to Thomas Chaucer, son of the poet Geoffrey.  It's history between then and Tudor times is misty to say the least - but it was known to be a favourite retreat of the Princess Elizabeth during her sister Mary's time on the Throne; indeed it was here (arguably) that the Princess learnt she had become Queen.

But it was without a doubt in the Civil War that Donnington's finest hour came.  After the First Battle of Newbury the Castle was held by Sir John Boys.  The Castle had already been augmented by massive earthwork bastions, some of which still remain.  A siege was laid, but the Castle was not taken.  Eventually Charles I arrived and the Second Battle of Newbury was begun.  The Battle took place in October, but Charles' army was forced to retreat.  The garrison in the Castle held out until April two years later!

After the garrison finally surrendered they were allowed to march to Wallingford Castle to join the garrison which still held for the King there - an unusually sentimental gesture on the part of Cromwell's New Model Army.

The Castle is owned today by English Heritage and stands in a small park - access being free.

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2018